Oral ph and buffering capacity modifiers

ABSTRACT

Example embodiments of the present invention include various compositions that include a pH modifier composition and/or a buffering capacity modifier composition. In some examples, the pH modifier compositions include a dose of pH modifier to raise the pH in a patient&#39;s mouth from about 1 to about 2 pH levels. The compositions are then incorporated into various confections for oral ingestion or application that allow a patient to easily use the composition with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers. For example, compositions with the pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers can be incorporated within chewing gum, tablets, lozenges, breath strips, hard candy, oral sprays, and other confections. Another embodiment of the invention includes a testing device to test the pH and buffering capacity within a patient&#39;s mouth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/317,602, filed Mar. 25, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/353,609, filed on Jun. 10, 2010. The content of each of theaforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cavity prevention bycontrolling the environmental factors found within the oral cavity thatmay cause tooth decay.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most people will at one point or another experience tooth decay thateventually leads to a cavity. To the average person, cavities are smallannoyances that a dental professional can easily correct by removing thecavity and replacing the decay with some type of dental filling. Someindividuals, however, experience tooth decay more than others. Inparticular, a portion of the population deals with rampant cavities thatare difficult to contain and control.

Recent advances in dental science have helped dental professionals tomore fully understand the causes of tooth decay and cavities. Manystudies suggest that a person's diet may drastically affect the chancesof getting a cavity. In particular, many experts argue that diets highin carbohydrates and other sugars, and lower in meat and whole grains,cause an increased risk of cavities. For example, studies have suggestedthat diets high in carbohydrates may cause oral micro-flora to becomeimbalanced, which may lead to increases risk of tooth decay, andultimately an increased risk of cavities.

Modern microorganism studies have confirmed that the main bacterialculprits of tooth decay do indeed feed on carbohydrates, and othersugars that make up the building blocks of carbohydrates. Studies havealso shown that of all the bacterial culprits responsible for toothdecay, the bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans is the bacterium withthe most influence on causing tooth decay.

Streptococcus mutans depends entirely upon human hosts for its survivaland progresses through a standard cycle of events with its host. Thecycle begins with inoculation of an infant soon after birth by parentalcontact. Streptococcus mutans can be transmitted through saliva and ishighly contagious. In order for Streptococcus mutans to become apermanent resident in the oral environment, the bacterium must attachsomewhere in the oral cavity. By attaching to a site within the oralcavity, the Streptococcus mutans may colonize and avoid being washed tothe stomach by saliva. Unfortunately, the human oral environmentprovides ample attachment sites for Streptococcus mutans as there arevarious crevasses to inhabit such as the gingival margin, spaces betweenteeth, etc.

After the Streptococcus mutans finds an attachment site, the process oftooth decay begins. The process begins when Streptococcus mutans consumesugar and excrete lactic acid as a waste product. As is well known,tooth enamel is composed entirely of mineral rods of calciumhydroxyapatite, which is susceptible to dissolution in acidicenvironments. The residual food that remains lodged in the oral cavityafter eating provides the nutrient source for Streptococcus mutans todigest, which therefore produces the lactic acid that eventuallydissolves holes in the enamel.

Once the lactic acid has produced holes in the teeth the decay processintensifies because the holes create even more protected space for foodand the Streptococcus mutans to occupy. The rate at which theStreptococcus mutans digests carbohydrates and produce lactic acid canexponentially increase, causing tooth decay to exponentially increase,which can lead to a cavity in a fairly short amount of time.

Providing quality oral hygiene in the fight against cavities requires adirect understanding and plan to deal with the lactic acid produced fromthe Streptococcus mutans. The most common prevention method today isbrushing the teeth with a fluoride dentifrice (tooth paste). First, thetoothbrush allows a person to remove the excess food after he or sheeats, and thereby deprive the Streptococcus mutans of an availablenutrient source. Second, the toothbrush stirs up or aggravates thebacteria and dislodges it from attachment sites, thereby impeding colonyprogression and growth.

As far as the toothpaste's function, the toothpaste's primary functionis to deliver a dose of fluoride to tooth enamel. Fluoride maychemically change the calcium hydroxyapatite of tooth enamel into a moreacid resistant composition of calcium fluoroapatite. The process offluoroapatite synthesis takes advantage of the electronegativereactivity of the fluoride ion during the natural re-mineralizationcycles between the tooth and saliva, causing the tooth enamel to be moreresistant to acid environments.

Although brushing the teeth helps fight tooth decay, toothbrushes andtoothpaste are purely preventative measures and do nothing to addressthe eradication of the Streptococcus mutans. The eradication of theoffending microorganisms was at one time thought to be the ultimate endof restorative dentistry. Research eventually produced the antibiotic“tetracycline” that was intended to wipe out tooth decay from the humanrace once and for all. This project ended in abysmal failure; instead,tetracycline treatment resulted in tetracycline resistant Streptococcusmutans, with the children of these patients being stricken with brown togreen mottled teeth. It is now generally understood that microorganismsare very adaptable and usually evolve faster than antibiotics can beproduced.

The foregoing leaves the toothbrush and fluoride as the essential meansto combat tooth decay. The toothbrush and toothpaste, however, havedisadvantages that decrease their effectiveness in the overallprevention of tooth decay. The biggest disadvantage is patientcompliance. For example, most people brush twice a day and it is usuallybefore breakfast and after dinner. The most effective time to brush isafter eating to immediately remove any food left behind in the oralcavity. Moreover, the average person brushes less than 60 seconds at atime. In order for the fluoride in the toothpaste to have any positiveeffect, a person must brush for at least 60 seconds or longer.

There are several reasons that most people to not brush properly. Forexample, brushing teeth is not always convenient. To brush after everymeal a person would have to deal with the annoyance of carrying atoothbrush and toothpaste during the day. Additionally, the person wouldhave to find a convenient place to brush his or her teeth, which isanother annoyance. Finally, after brushing a patient has to deal with awet toothbrush and where to store it. In contemporary lifestyles thetoothbrush and toothpaste are consigned for home use because that is thetime and location when a person can most easily and conveniently brushtheir teeth and store the toothbrush and toothpaste.

As indicated above, the time when most people brush their teeth is theleast effective time to brush teeth. In particular, the largestvariances in oral pH happen after each meal corresponding with the cycleof sugar consumption by the Streptococcus mutans into lactic acid. Inthe early 20th century many studies were completed measuring the oral pHof patients as it relates to time and events. The general conclusionsfrom these studies give us a better understanding of the oralenvironment. The general conclusions are as follows:

-   -   a. The average pH of oral saliva varies between individuals, yet        the average pH of an individual stays fairly constant. The pH of        some individuals within a group may differ in range from as wide        as 5 to 8, yet the pH of each individual within the group would        remain fairly repetitive. This conclusion may explain why some        people have such a large problem with getting cavities, while        others do not.    -   b. The largest drop in pH of saliva happens after eating,        followed by a slow rise in pH. The average pH drop of oral        saliva after eating is between about 0.5-1.0 in healthy        patients. The change in pH spikes at about 15-20 minutes after        eating, followed by a gradual rise back to normal levels in        about 60 minutes.

Among other conclusions, these studies indicated that the pH level ofsaliva was a major factor in tooth decay of an individual. The moreacidic the saliva, the greater risk of tooth decay.

In addition, studies have also shown that it is not the pH levels of thesaliva alone that cause cavities. An additional factor that can affectthe rate at which dental caries occur concerns the buffering capacity ofthe salvia. Buffering capacity relates to the ability of a buffer—e.g.,a partially neutralized acid—to resist changes in pH. Salts such assodium citrate or sodium lactate are common buffers used to partiallyneutralize an acid. In patients that tend not to easily get cavities,their saliva is usually shown to have an increased buffering capacity.

In sum, clinical studies have shown that the greatest correlating causeof tooth decay between patients is the pH and the buffering capacity oftheir saliva. In order to adequately address prevention of tooth decay,both the pH and buffering capacity of saliva must be controlled. Someconventional products have been developed to attempt to address the pHissue of saliva. For example, conventional products that containingredients such as sorbitol, xylitol and other sugar free sweetenersclaim to be helpful in restoring pH levels after a meal. Theseconventional products, however, do not chemically modify the saliva, butrather simply increase and stimulate natural saliva flows after a meal.Although increasing the saliva flow is more beneficial than doingnothing, the rate at which the pH level within the saliva is normalizedis slow, which may still allow tooth decay.

What is needed is a dental treatment which quickly and efficientlyadjusts pH levels within the oral cavity, increases the bufferingcapacity of salvia, avoids side effects, and provides a product suitablefor simple patient compliance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention include variouscompositions that include a pH modifier composition and/or a bufferingcapacity modifier composition. In some examples, the pH modifiercompositions include a dose of pH modifier to raise the pH in apatient's mouth from about 1 to about 2 pH levels. The compositions arethen incorporated into various confections for oral ingestion orapplication that allow a patient to easily use the composition with thepH and/or buffering capacity modifiers. For example, compositions withthe pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers can be incorporated withinchewing gum, tablets, lozenges, breath strips, hard candy, oral sprays,and other confections. Another embodiment of the invention includes atesting device to test the pH and buffering capacity within a patient'smouth.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. These and other features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention include variouscompositions that include a pH modifier composition and/or a bufferingcapacity modifier composition. In some examples, the pH modifiercompositions include a dose of pH modifier to raise the pH in apatient's mouth from about 1 to about 2 pH levels. The compositions arethen incorporated into various confections for oral ingestion orapplication that allow a patient to easily use the composition with thepH and/or buffering capacity modifiers. For example, compositions withthe pH and/or buffering capacity modifiers can be incorporated withinchewing gum, tablets, lozenges, breath strips, hard candy, oral sprays,and other confections. Another embodiment of the invention includes atesting device to test the pH and buffering capacity within a patient'smouth.

By using example embodiments of the present invention, patients willhave a convenient product to use to fight tooth decay and cavities. Forexample, patients can use the composition right after a meal during thetime that the pH level in the mouth is most acidic. Moreover,embodiments of the present invention allow patients to fight tooth decaywithout having the annoyance of carrying a tooth brush or tooth pastewith them wherever they go.

Furthermore, example embodiments of the present invention providepatients with a more effective way to fight cavities than regular gum orcandy that simply promote saliva flow. In particular, exampleembodiments of the present invention actually chemically change the pHlevels and/or buffering capacity of saliva such that the pH levels inthe oral cavity are returned to a pH balanced or less acid state quicklyand efficiently. Notwithstanding the various improvements to the fightagainst tooth decay, example embodiments of the present inventiongenerally provide devices and methods to increase the buffering capacityof saliva and raise the pH within the oral cavity to a less acidicstate.

Example embodiments of the present invention can include a bufferingcapacity modifier composition that includes any soluble or insolublecompound found in saliva that increases the buffering capacity ofsaliva. Example buffering capacity modifier compositions that increasethe buffering capacity of saliva are the soluble and insoluble salts ofcalcium. Examples of salts that are useful in buffering capacitymodifier compositions are calcium phosphate tribasic, calcium phosphatedi-basic, calcium phosphate monobasic, calcium lactate, calcium citrate,calcium ascorbate, calcium carbonate, calcium hydrogen carbonate,calcium hydroxide, protein bound calcium and any other useful salivabuffering compounds.

The most preferred buffering capacity modifier compositions are thosesalts that are water soluble at pH above about 6. The solubility of thecalcium salt in water allows the calcium ion to become available fornatural re-mineralization processes that occur between the saliva andtooth on a readily basis. Some salts are more soluble in water thanothers, as illustrated in the table below. Salts with a high solubilityin water such as calcium lactate and calcium ascorbate are especiallyuseful. Mono-calcium phosphate is also effectively soluble in water.

Calcium Salt Solubility in water g/100 ml Calcium lactate pentahydrate 9grams Calcium ascorbate (citrate) 43.6 grams Calcium stearate InsolubleCalcium carbonate 0.001 grams Tri-calcium phosphate Insoluble Di-calciumphosphate 0.02 grams Calcium hydroxide 0.173 grams Mono-calciumphosphate 22 grams

We analyzed the immediate release of calcium ion of various salts by acalcium test kit by EM Quant and found that the most readily availablecalcium ion source is calcium ascorbate and calcium lactate. Inparticular, calcium ascorbate provided calcium ions on contact withwater, and is therefore a good candidate for the buffering capacitymodifier composition.

A combination of salts can be utilized to maximize the effects of thebuffering capacity with respect to re-mineralization and pH. A preferreddelivery device of the present invention comprises both pH modifiercompositions and buffering capacity modifier compositions. Therefore,the delivery device can be designed to increase both the pH and thebuffering capacity of saliva that neutralizes acids, raises the pH levelabove about 7, and floods the saliva with acid buffering salts. The samebuffering salts also can act as a re-mineralization agent.

In addition, example embodiments of the present invention include theuse of these same pH modifier compositions incorporated into a fluoridedentifrice in order to combine the synergistic effects of both a higherpH environment coupled with the beneficial qualities of the fluorideion. For example, the fluoride ion may be incorporated into any of thepH modifier compositions of the present invention, especially in lowerdoses, such as below 100 ppm. The objective being to raise the pH oforal saliva along with the steady release of fluoride ion over longerperiods of time versus the dose received through conventional toothbrushing. It is also within the scope of this invention to incorporatean abrasive, such as fine silica or diatomaceous earth into theconfection that would aid in the physical removal of oral debris whilechewing.

As summarized above, the preferred pH modifier composition of thepresent invention includes a pH modifier that raises the pH of oralsaliva of the average person in a range from about 1 to about 2 totemporarily raise the pH of oral saliva firmly and safely out of theacidic range following eating. The elevated pH level counteracts acidsproduced by Streptococcus mutans and other organisms acting on foodparticles in the mouth remaining after eating.

Example pH modifier compositions can comprise those basic compounds thatare safe for human consumption, and at the same time, can be used in thesmallest quantities to deliver the biggest change in pH. For example,the pH modifier compositions of example embodiments of the presentinvention can raise the pH level of oral saliva with a minimum quantityof pH modifier composition such that the only parts of the bodyreceiving a significant impact are isolated within the oral cavity.Insignificant quantities of the pH modifier composition swallowed duringdigestion would have a negligible effect on the stomach, as such areneutralized quickly by stomach acid.

Examples of the pH modifier compositions of the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, alkali salts and oxides such as thehydroxides, oxides and carbonates of magnesium, sodium, potassium, andcalcium. Also included are any soluble salts of transition metals thatcan be made by various methods alkaline in an aqueous environment suchas iron hydroxide and zinc hydroxide. Even further examples includeamines and alkyl amines such as ammonia, diethylamine, dimethyl amine,hydroxylamine, quinoline, triethanol amine, triethylamine, ethylamineand methylamine and others. Additional pH modifier compositions includethe alkaline salts having moderate to strong bases such as sodiumcarbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and potassiumcarbonate.

The pH modifier(s) compositions can be dosed depending on the size,weight, solubility rate, and chosen basic compound into the confectionof choice. The final dosage is that concentration necessary to providean average change in oral pH by at least about 1 to about 2 pH. In otherexample embodiments, however, compounds producing pH modification rangeshigher than about 1 to about 2 pH for those patients that have extremelyacidic oral cavity properties. In short, the objective of example pHmodifier compositions is to bring the oral pH following a meal to levelsslightly higher than normal, but other pH modification ranges are alsowithin the scope of this invention.

One example embodiment of the present invention includes a deliverydevice in the form of chewing gum that contains a pH modifiercomposition and/or a buffering capacity modifier composition. Chewinggum offers an ideal substance that is chewed but not swallowed providinga convenient way to deliver the pH modifier, buffering capacity modifierand/or fluoride at a steady rate. Other example confections can include,but are not limited to, lozenges and hard candies that are sugar-free.

Notwithstanding the type of delivery device used, the effect is todeliver pH modifiers and buffering capacity modifiers in a manner thatreleases the pH modifier and buffering capacity modifiers at a nearconstant rate. A chewing gum is ideal for this delivery because it isnot swallowed like a lozenge or a hard candy, as these may be crushedwith the teeth and broken down prematurely into pieces and swallowed.The downside to chewing gum is that the release rate of the pH modifierand/or buffering capacity modifier is greatest at the beginning ofchewing and decreases in time. Conversely, the lozenge or hard candy, ifnot crushed into pieces, can provide a more constant release rate of thepH modifier and/or the buffering capacity modifier.

The delivery device confections can be made with carbohydratesubstitutes as the bulk material that makes the body of the candy. Thesesugarless confections accelerate the natural neutralization cycle of theoral cavity by stimulating saliva flow, while delivering the pHmodifier. As can be understood, any similar item that can be chewed ordissolved within the mouth following a meal would be effective as longas the item did not contain cariogenic sugars and/or carbohydrates. Whenadded as bulk material, the functions of these non-cariogenic sweetenerslike xylitol, sorbitol, phenylalanine, sucralose, saccharin and othersare to make the delivery devices or confections sweet, and thereforemore palatable.

The delivery devices and compositions of the present invention can raisethe pH level and buffering capacity of oral saliva rapidly since oralacid is neutralized into a salt by an acid base reaction with a knownbasic compound. This actual change in the pH level and bufferingcapacity of the oral saliva is unique compared to conventionalcompositions that don't chemically change the saliva, but rather dependon the dilution and rinsing effects of saliva.

Many other confections containing pH modifiers are also within the scopeof this invention, as long as they meet the general objective to combinea pH modifier composition and/or a buffering capacity modifiercomposition with a traditional confection that can be conveniently andinconspicuously administered following a meal. Another exampleembodiment is a breath strip. In particular, the breath strip can be athin water-soluble composition that is intended to dissolve in themouth. As the breath strip dissolves, the pH modifier and/or thebuffering capacity modifier can be released from the breath strip, thusadjusting the pH levels and buffering capacity within the mouth andsaliva.

In another example embodiment, the delivery device can be in the form ofan oral spray or rinse. For example, the pH modifier composition and/orthe buffering capacity composition can be dissolved into a liquid sprayor rinse that a patient can spray or rinse in their mouth. Because thespray or rinse will likely not provide a long lasting release of the pHmodifier and/or the buffering capacity modifier, the dosage of the pHmodifier and/or buffering capacity modifier can be greatly increased toprovide a quick and efficient way to raise the pH level within the oralcavity and saliva.

Various colors, scents, flavors and other ingredients can be used withall the example embodiments to increase flavor, visual athletics, andoverall presentation of the various delivery devices and compositions.

The following examples illustrate various example embodiments ofdelivery devices used to deliver the pH modifier composition and/or thebuffering capacity modifier composition. The following formulations arefor example purposes only, and illustrate only specific compositions anddelivery devices according to the broader principles described above.

Example 1

In one example embodiment of the invention, a chewing gum including a pHmodifier composition and a buffering capacity modifier compositioncomprises the following components within the percentage weight rangesin the following table.

Example 1 Component % Wt Range Gum Base    32-42% Xylitol    35-45%Sorbitol    11-21% Sucralose   0.1-1%  Flavoring   0.1-1%  Coloring   0.01-0.1%  Calcium Ascorbate  1%-10% Sodium Carbonate 0.01%-0.05%

For example, and according to the general ranges of percentage weightdescribed above, one particular example embodiment of a chewing gumcontaining pH and buffering capacity modifier compositions comprises: agum base (37.94%); xylitol (40.00%); sorbitol (16.00%); sucralose(0.20%); peppermint oil (0.40%); methyl salicylate (0.40%); glycerin(1.00%); brilliant blue lake color (0.05%); calcium ascorbate (4.00%)and sodium carbonate (0.01%). The resulting composition is blended in asigma blade mixer until homogenous, followed by forming the homogeneousmixture into a shaped gum using a mold compression method. The resultingcompressed gum is ready to chew.

Example 2

In one example embodiment of the present invention, a hard candyformulation comprises the following components within the weightpercentage ranges in the following table.

Example 2 Component % Wt Range Xylitol/Sorbitol    80-97% CalciumAscorbate  1%-10% Sodium Carbonate 0.01%-0.05% Methyl salicylate  0.1-1%  Flavoring   0.1-1%  Coloring    0.01-0.1% 

For example, and according to the general ranges of percentage weightdescribed above with respect to Example 2, one particular exampleembodiment of a hard candy containing a pH and buffering capacitymodifier compositions comprises: xylitol or sorbitol (95.19%); calciumascorbate (4.00%); sodium carbonate (0.01%); peppermint oil (0.40%); andmethyl salicylate (0.40%). The sugars are melted and mixed until thecomposition reaches a hard candy stage, followed by addition of theother ingredients. The resulting mass is allowed to cool and is then cutinto single serving-sized pieces while still in a moldable state, afterwhich the sized pieces are allowed to further cool into hard candy.

Example 3

A third embodiment of the present invention comprises a liquid rinse ororal spray. Since an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate and solublecalcium salt will eventually react to produce nearly insoluble calciumcarbonate, it is preferred to deliver a 2-part composition in a dualchambered spray device, or alternatively use a pH modifier that will notreact with calcium ion, for example, sodium hydroxide. An example of a2-part liquid spray composition is shown in the following table.

Part A Part B  5.0%-Calcium ascorbate  0.2%-Sodium carbonate 0.5%-sucralose  0.5%-sucralose  1.0%-peppermint oil  1.0%-peppermintoil 93.5%-water 93.5%-water

In addition to the above examples of a delivery device that delivers apH modifier composition and/or a buffer capacity modifier composition ina convenient manner to the oral cavity, example embodiments of thepresent invention further include a testing device to initially test theenvironment characteristics within a particular patient's oral cavity.For example, the testing device can be used to determine the strength ordosage of the pH modifier and/or buffering capacity modifier in one ormore of the above delivery devices such that an individualized treatmentplan can be created for a particular individual. In at least oneembodiment, the testing device results and the dosage of the pH andbuffering capacity modifier compositions within the delivery devices canbe coordinated (e.g., by number or color) such that a patient can easilyknow what dosage is required for the patient's particular pH levels andbuffering capacity.

On example of a testing device can include a testing strip that measuresboth the pH and buffer capacity of saliva. For example, the testingdevice can include a hand-held colorimetric testing strip that can beeasily covered in a patient's saliva by having the patient place thetesting strip into the patient's mouth, or by placing the patient'ssaliva directly on the testing strip. After the patient's saliva is incontact with the testing strip, the testing strip has a correspondingcolor change that correlates to that individual's pH and buffering saltconcentration in the patient's saliva. Thus, the testing strip canprovide an easy and convenient test for a patient to accurately know thepH and buffering salt concentration within the patient's saliva.

In one example embodiment, the colorimetric testing strip can containboth the pH-testing pad and the buffering salt testing pad on the samestrip, wherein the pH and buffering capacity can be measured by a singleanalysis. For example, the pH testing pad can be configured to measurethe pH between 4.5-10, and the buffering capacity testing pad can beconfigured to measure the available calcium salt concentration between0-1000 ppm.

In one example, the pH pad can be made of absorbent paper or cotton thatis soaked in an aqueous pH indicator comprising various indicators suchas bromocresol green, methyl red, azolitmin, bromocresol purple,bromothymol blue, phenol red, neutral red, napthophthalein, Alizarineyellow R, phenolphthalein, congo red, thymol blue, methyl orange,leucomalachite green, methyl yellow, and any like useful pH indicator.Similarly, the buffering capacity test pad can be made of absorbentpaper or cotton that is soaked in a known quantity of acid or base withan aqueous alkalinity indicator(s). Thus, when the patient's salivareacts with the known quantity of acid or base on the strip, theresulting colorimetric pH achieved correlates to a ppm buffering saltconcentration. Alternatively, the calcium, phosphate, hydroxide, orcarbonate ion concentration can be measured directly by color sensitiveindicators that change colors with respect to the concentration of therespective anion or cation.

Both the pH testing pad and the buffering capacity testing pad can befastened to a plastic or paper applicator test strip by an adhesive orother similar means. For example, in one embodiment the pH testing padcan be attached to a first side of the testing strip, and the bufferingcapacity testing pad can be attached to a second side of the testingstrip. Alternatively, both the pH testing pad and the buffering capacitytesting pad can be attached to the same side of the testing strip.

The completed colorimetric testing strip can then either be insertedinto the mouth, or saliva can be collected into a container, in order tocoat the testing pads with the patient's saliva. The patient's salivainteracts with both the pH testing strip and the buffering capacitytesting strip to change colors as described above. The patient can thencompare the color on the testing strip to a pre-determined colorimetricchart that corresponds to the change in pH and buffering capacities.Upon analyzing the results of the test, a patient can determine theirrisk level with respect to tooth decay and determine a correspondingtreatment or dosage of pH modifier compositions and buffering capacitymodifier compositions described above. For example, the test strip candetermine the risk of cavities such that the strength and the frequencyfor the need of the pH modifier and/or buffering capacity modifierdevice or confection.

More particularly, the patients who score low in both pH and bufferingcapacity are placed into a high risk category of treatment wherein theyreceive devices or confections that sufficiently modify the pH andbuffering capacity with respect to their low scores. The patients whohave a moderate pH and buffering capacity are placed into a medium riskcategory where they receive devices and confections that modify their pHand buffering capacity customized to the level of modification that isnecessary for them. The patients who have a high natural pH andbuffering capacity may not even require treatment because theirrespective pH and buffering capacity are high enough that they do notdrop below a pH level of about 6.2 even after eating a meal.

For example, a patient who has measured their pH and buffering capacityand has found that they are in the high risk category of tooth decay maybe prescribed to chew two or three pieces of chewing gum for anincreased concentration of pH and buffering capacity after every meal,whereas someone in the medium risk group may be required to chew onlyone piece of any desired confection. Alternatively the strength of theconfection can be varied as to create a maximum strength and/or aregular strength composition, so a specific gum can be prescribeddepending upon to which risk group the patient pertains.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A dental treatment composition, comprising: a delivery device in theform of a confection, the confection comprising: an oral pH modifiercomposition; and an oral buffering capacity modifier composition,wherein the buffering capacity compound is selected from the group ofcompounds found in natural saliva.
 2. The dental treatment compositionrecited in claim 1, wherein the confection is in the form of chewinggum.
 3. The dental treatment composition recited in claim 1, wherein theconfection is in the form of a hard candy.
 4. The dental treatmentcomposition recited in claim 1, wherein the confection is in the form ofa breath strip.
 5. The dental treatment composition recited in claim 1,wherein the confection is in the form of an oral spray.
 6. The dentaltreatment composition recited in claim 5, wherein the oral spray is atwo-part composition having a first part comprising calcium ascorbateand a second part comprising sodium carbonate.
 7. The dental treatmentcomposition recited in claim 1, wherein the oral buffering capacitymodifier composition comprises a soluble salt of calcium.
 8. The dentaltreatment composition recited in claim 7, wherein the soluble salt ofcalcium comprises calcium ascorbate.
 9. The dental treatment compositionrecited in claim 8, further comprising fluoride.
 10. A dental treatmentsystem for directly controlling the pH environment within a patient'soral cavity, comprising: a testing device, comprising: a testing strip;a pH testing pad attached to the testing strip and configured to testthe pH level of a patient's saliva; and a buffering capacity testing padattached to the testing strip and configured to test the bufferingcapacity of a patients saliva; and a delivery device, comprising: anoral pH modifier composition; and an oral buffering capacity modifiercomposition, wherein the testing device is used to determine the dosageof the delivery device such that the patient can customize the use ofthe delivery device to control the pH within the patient's oral cavity.11. The dental treatment system recited in claim 10, wherein thedelivery device is in the form of a confection.
 12. The dental treatmentsystem recited in claim 11, wherein the buffering capacity modifiercomposition comprises calcium ascorbate.
 13. The dental treatment systemrecited in claim 12, wherein the calcium ascorbate has a weightpercentage within the range of about 1% to about 10% of the overallweight of the confection.
 14. The dental treatment system recited inclaim 10, wherein the test strip comprises a first side and a secondside, and wherein the pH testing pad is attached to the first side andthe buffering capacity testing pad is attached to the second side. 15.The dental treatment system recited in claim 10, wherein the pH testingpad comprises an absorbent material soaked in a plurality of pHindicator compounds.
 16. The dental treatment system recited in claim10, wherein the buffering capacity testing pad comprises an absorbentmaterial soaked in a known quantity of acid or base.
 17. An oral salivatesting device, comprising: a test strip; and an oral buffering capacitytest pad attached to the test strip, wherein the oral buffering capacitytest pad measures a buffering capacity of a patient's saliva whenbrought into contact with the patient's saliva.
 18. The oral salivatesting device recited in claim 17, further comprising an oral pH testpad attached to the test strip.
 19. The oral saliva testing devicerecited in claim 18, wherein the pH testing pad comprises an absorbentmaterial soaked in a plurality of pH indicator compounds.
 20. The oralsaliva testing device recited in claim 19, wherein the bufferingcapacity testing pad comprises an absorbent material soaked in a knownquantity of acid or base.